What would be my best visa option?

[Just Destiny]

I have Non-Immigrant "O" based on marriage extended until 23 August. My wife and me split up during this extended period. Now I am going to Australia on 20 June and coming back on Thursday night of 20 August. My visa expires on Sunday 23rd August.I am pensioner from Australia. I do not have required 800.000 Baht for Non-Immigrant OA visa here. Should I come back with single re-entry (paying 1000 Baht) using my current extension on 20 August then what?

As another option should I apply for new Non-Immigrant OA pensioner visa in Australia then do I have to be in and out every 90 day? What supporting document would Thai Consulate ask?

Actually I plan to set up a company for my hidden business hopefully in October (waiting for divorce). Then I will apply and get new business visa?

What is the best option you think?

[PoorSucker]

When you say "spit up", do you mean divorce?

If so, then your extension ended the day you divorced and you are on overstay.

If not divorced but separated you can get a non-O abroad based on visiting your wife but no yearly extension as you don't live together.

[ubonjoe]

A OA visa gives a one year entry. I think you are writing about a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over (only possible to apply for it at one of the honorary consulates).

To get the OA visa you would need the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank in Australia or proof of 65 baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht. It also requires a medical and police certificate. You can only apply for it at the embassy or the consulate in Sydney.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement if you had 65k baht income or a combination of money in a Thai bank totaling 800k baht. The 800k baht in the bank is not the only option you have.

As said you could get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage if are not divorced. You wife would need to give you signed and dated copies her house book and ID card to apply for it.

[Just Destiny]

When you say "spit up", do you mean divorce?

If so, then your extension ended the day you divorced and you are on overstay.

If not divorced but separated you can get a non-O abroad based on visiting your wife but no yearly extension as you don't live together.

I mean separated. My wife remained in Australia.

[Just Destiny]

A OA visa gives a one year entry. I think you are writing about a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over (only possible to apply for it at one of the honorary consulates).

To get the OA visa you would need the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank in Australia or proof of 65 baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht. It also requires a medical and police certificate. You can only apply for it at the embassy or the consulate in Sydney.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement if you had 65k baht income or a combination of money in a Thai bank totaling 800k baht. The 800k baht in the bank is not the only option you have.

As said you could get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage if are not divorced. You wife would need to give you signed and dated copies her house book and ID card to apply for it.

My wife wouldn't do anything for me now. She is completely new person after separation actually she deserted me.This option is out.

I will set a company in October so I am thinking something easy like 90 days tourist visa that get stamped for 60 days at the entry that would take me from 20 August to 18 October and I plan to go back to Australia again before 60 days end. If I set up a company in the first weeks of October do I need to go out of Thailand to apply for Business visa? In that case it may work well. Bu If I apply for tourist visa in Australia before 20 August I would still have my Non- O (marriage) until 23 August. Would they cancel my Non-O upon my tourist visa application at the Consulate? Single entry 90 days tourist visa cost only $45 (AUD).This might be better option but I would like to know your opinion. Would it be obstacle to open a company bank account if I have only tourist visa when my lawyer set up a company for me?

One more option I have in mind when I go to Bangkok before leaving Thailand can I get a statement of income of 65000 for retirement visa extension at the Australian Consulate? Is it based on your statement or does Consulate really check what is Australian pension equivalent in Thai Baht? If it is easy just a piece of paper then I may use it to extend Non-O retirement on Friday 21 August just next day after I return. What other documents I would need if I extend my Non-O based on retirement? Is there any Australian obtained income statement from Australian Consulate in BKK who can tell me exactly what they ask for for an income statement from pensioner (full pension)?

[nzexpat]

I am sure the OP understands what he is saying/asking but it is beyond my comprehension and understanding !

Hopefully someone will be able to unscramble the message and provide some advice ----------

[Mario2008]

Your best visa option depends on whether you intend to work or not. If not, a non-O based on being over 50 and extending that every year would be the best way to go.

[chrisinth]

A OA visa gives a one year entry. I think you are writing about a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over (only possible to apply for it at one of the honorary consulates).

To get the OA visa you would need the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank in Australia or proof of 65 baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht. It also requires a medical and police certificate. You can only apply for it at the embassy or the consulate in Sydney.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement if you had 65k baht income or a combination of money in a Thai bank totaling 800k baht. The 800k baht in the bank is not the only option you have.

As said you could get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage if are not divorced. You wife would need to give you signed and dated copies her house book and ID card to apply for it.

My wife wouldn't do anything for me now. She is completely new person after separation actually she deserted me.This option is out.

I will set a company in October so I am thinking something easy like 90 days tourist visa that get stamped for 60 days at the entry that would take me from 20 August to 18 October and I plan to go back to Australia again before 60 days end. If I set up a company in the first weeks of October do I need to go out of Thailand to apply for Business visa? In that case it may work well. Bu If I apply for tourist visa in Australia before 20 August I would still have my Non- O (marriage) until 23 August. Would they cancel my Non-O upon my tourist visa application at the Consulate? Single entry 90 days tourist visa cost only $45 (AUD).This might be better option but I would like to know your opinion. Would it be obstacle to open a company bank account if I have only tourist visa when my lawyer set up a company for me?

One more option I have in mind when I go to Bangkok before leaving Thailand can I get a statement of income of 65000 for retirement visa extension at the Australian Consulate? Is it based on your statement or does Consulate really check what is Australian pension equivalent in Thai Baht? If it is easy just a piece of paper then I may use it to extend Non-O retirement on Friday 21 August just next day after I return. What other documents I would need if I extend my Non-O based on retirement? Is there any Australian obtained income statement from Australian Consulate in BKK who can tell me exactly what they ask for for an income statement from pensioner (full pension)?

If it is in Thailand that you are starting your business, be aware that it is extremely difficult (not impossible) to get a work permit based on an extension of stay based on retirement.

That said, you can change the reasons for extension later as long as the financial side meets requirements and the work permit has been issued/applied for.

[nzexpat]

A OA visa gives a one year entry. I think you are writing about a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over (only possible to apply for it at one of the honorary consulates).

To get the OA visa you would need the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank in Australia or proof of 65 baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht. It also requires a medical and police certificate. You can only apply for it at the embassy or the consulate in Sydney.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement if you had 65k baht income or a combination of money in a Thai bank totaling 800k baht. The 800k baht in the bank is not the only option you have.

As said you could get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage if are not divorced. You wife would need to give you signed and dated copies her house book and ID card to apply for it.

My wife wouldn't do anything for me now. She is completely new person after separation actually she deserted me.This option is out.

I will set a company in October so I am thinking something easy like 90 days tourist visa that get stamped for 60 days at the entry that would take me from 20 August to 18 October and I plan to go back to Australia again before 60 days end. If I set up a company in the first weeks of October do I need to go out of Thailand to apply for Business visa? In that case it may work well. Bu If I apply for tourist visa in Australia before 20 August I would still have my Non- O (marriage) until 23 August. Would they cancel my Non-O upon my tourist visa application at the Consulate? Single entry 90 days tourist visa cost only $45 (AUD).This might be better option but I would like to know your opinion. Would it be obstacle to open a company bank account if I have only tourist visa when my lawyer set up a company for me?

One more option I have in mind when I go to Bangkok before leaving Thailand can I get a statement of income of 65000 for retirement visa extension at the Australian Consulate? Is it based on your statement or does Consulate really check what is Australian pension equivalent in Thai Baht? If it is easy just a piece of paper then I may use it to extend Non-O retirement on Friday 21 August just next day after I return. What other documents I would need if I extend my Non-O based on retirement? Is there any Australian obtained income statement from Australian Consulate in BKK who can tell me exactly what they ask for for an income statement from pensioner (full pension)?

If it is in Thailand that you are starting your business, be aware that it is extremely difficult (not impossible) to get a work permit based on an extension of stay based on retirement.

That said, you can change the reasons for extension later as long as the financial side meets requirements and the work permit has been issued/applied for.

I am sure that is enormously helpful information.

What "reason" would be used to "change" from an extension based on retirement.

How is this done ?

What are the "financial side requirements "

Details please ............

[chrisinth]

A OA visa gives a one year entry. I think you are writing about a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over (only possible to apply for it at one of the honorary consulates).

To get the OA visa you would need the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank in Australia or proof of 65 baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht. It also requires a medical and police certificate. You can only apply for it at the embassy or the consulate in Sydney.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement if you had 65k baht income or a combination of money in a Thai bank totaling 800k baht. The 800k baht in the bank is not the only option you have.

As said you could get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage if are not divorced. You wife would need to give you signed and dated copies her house book and ID card to apply for it.

My wife wouldn't do anything for me now. She is completely new person after separation actually she deserted me.This option is out.

I will set a company in October so I am thinking something easy like 90 days tourist visa that get stamped for 60 days at the entry that would take me from 20 August to 18 October and I plan to go back to Australia again before 60 days end. If I set up a company in the first weeks of October do I need to go out of Thailand to apply for Business visa? In that case it may work well. Bu If I apply for tourist visa in Australia before 20 August I would still have my Non- O (marriage) until 23 August. Would they cancel my Non-O upon my tourist visa application at the Consulate? Single entry 90 days tourist visa cost only $45 (AUD).This might be better option but I would like to know your opinion. Would it be obstacle to open a company bank account if I have only tourist visa when my lawyer set up a company for me?

One more option I have in mind when I go to Bangkok before leaving Thailand can I get a statement of income of 65000 for retirement visa extension at the Australian Consulate? Is it based on your statement or does Consulate really check what is Australian pension equivalent in Thai Baht? If it is easy just a piece of paper then I may use it to extend Non-O retirement on Friday 21 August just next day after I return. What other documents I would need if I extend my Non-O based on retirement? Is there any Australian obtained income statement from Australian Consulate in BKK who can tell me exactly what they ask for for an income statement from pensioner (full pension)?

If it is in Thailand that you are starting your business, be aware that it is extremely difficult (not impossible) to get a work permit based on an extension of stay based on retirement.

That said, you can change the reasons for extension later as long as the financial side meets requirements and the work permit has been issued/applied for.

I am sure that is enormously helpful information.

What "reason" would be used to "change" from an extension based on retirement.

How is this done ?

What are the "financial side requirements "

Details please ............

I was off the understanding that if it is possible to 'downgrade' the reason for extension from retirement to that of marriage, there should be no reason to change the reason to that of employment. (He is talking about a non-O and not a non-O-A here)

Of course, if the argument is that a non-B visa is required for work, then I have been illegal for the last dozen or so years as mine is based on a non-O.

Financial side would be on his 'formed company' side as regards immigration requirements for income, depending on where the person comes from, for the extension of stay based on working.

[nzexpat]

"I was off the understanding that if it is possible to 'downgrade' the reason for extension from retirement to that of marriage, there should be no reason to change the reason to that of employment. (He is talking about a non-O and not a non-O-A here)

Of course, if the argument is that a non-B visa is required for work, then I have been illegal for the last dozen or so years as mine is based on a non-O.

Financial side would be on his 'formed company' side as regards immigration requirements for income, depending on where the person comes from, for the extension of stay based on working."

Thanks but I do not understand any of that !

Maybe I really am aging fast

[ratcatcher]

"I was off the understanding that if it is possible to 'downgrade' the reason for extension from retirement to that of marriage, there should be no reason to change the reason to that of employment. (He is talking about a non-O and not a non-O-A here)

Of course, if the argument is that a non-B visa is required for work, then I have been illegal for the last dozen or so years as mine is based on a non-O.

Financial side would be on his 'formed company' side as regards immigration requirements for income, depending on where the person comes from, for the extension of stay based on working."

Thanks but I do not understand any of that !

Maybe I really am aging fast

??? You are not alone .

[Just Destiny]

A OA visa gives a one year entry. I think you are writing about a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over (only possible to apply for it at one of the honorary consulates).

To get the OA visa you would need the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank in Australia or proof of 65 baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht. It also requires a medical and police certificate. You can only apply for it at the embassy or the consulate in Sydney.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement if you had 65k baht income or a combination of money in a Thai bank totaling 800k baht. The 800k baht in the bank is not the only option you have.

As said you could get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage if are not divorced. You wife would need to give you signed and dated copies her house book and ID card to apply for it.

Thank you for your responses all and I am sorry that I couldn't get back to clarify my question. I guess I have to write down my situation then leave it to you to suggest best option for me:

1) At present I have my non-O (marriage) extension which will expire on 23 August. My ex-wife and I separated and she lives in Australia and I live in Thailand. She has changed since we separated last year so she as being a monster wouldn't do anything good for me.

2) I am Australian pensioner and receive full pension and Family Tax Benefit that is equivalent of 55000. I may be able to bring the total monthly income to 65.000 a month. My bank account is empty to avoid ex to rip me off.

3) I will go to Australia (Tasmania and Hobart has a Consulate) this Saturday the 20th of June for two months until 20 August. (my extension will expire on 23 August).

4) I will have set up a company Propriety Lmt for my new business in October after divorce which is,at the moment, registered on my friend's Thai wife's name.and I am keeping secret (from my ex) that I bought the business So no money in the bank.I will be the preferential share holder and will require WP in October.

What is the best option? Which visa option is the easy and practical?

[ubonjoe]

A OA visa gives a one year entry. I think you are writing about a multiple entry non-o visa based upon being 50 or over (only possible to apply for it at one of the honorary consulates).

To get the OA visa you would need the equivalent of 800k baht in a bank in Australia or proof of 65 baht income or a combination of the 2 totaling 800k baht. It also requires a medical and police certificate. You can only apply for it at the embassy or the consulate in Sydney.

You could apply for an extension of stay based upon retirement if you had 65k baht income or a combination of money in a Thai bank totaling 800k baht. The 800k baht in the bank is not the only option you have.

As said you could get a multiple entry non-o visa based upon marriage if are not divorced. You wife would need to give you signed and dated copies her house book and ID card to apply for it.

Thank you for your responses all and I am sorry that I couldn't get back to clarify my question. I guess I have to write down my situation then leave it to you to suggest best option for me:

1) At present I have my non-O (marriage) extension which will expire on 23 August. My ex-wife and I separated and she lives in Australia and I live in Thailand. She has changed since we separated last year so she as being a monster wouldn't do anything good for me.

2) I am Australian pensioner and receive full pension and Family Tax Benefit that is equivalent of 55000. I may be able to bring the total monthly income to 65.000 a month. My bank account is empty to avoid ex to rip me off.

3) I will go to Australia (Tasmania and Hobart has a Consulate) this Saturday the 20th of June for two months until 20 August. (my extension will expire on 23 August).

4) I will have set up a company Propriety Lmt for my new business in October after divorce which is,at the moment, registered on my friend's Thai wife's name.and I am keeping secret (from my ex) that I bought the business So no money in the bank.I will be the preferential share holder and will require WP in October.

What is the best option? Which visa option is the easy and practical?

If the company is already set up and you could get some documents for it and a letter from asking you be issued a non-b visa that would be the best visa to get. If you could get a multiple entry non-b visa that would be the best but not sure you will be able to get it.

If you plan on getting an extension of stay based upon working getting a non-o visa based upon retirement would not be that good because most work permit offices will not accept it to apply for one.

If you don't get the non-b visa then a 2 entry tourist visa would probably be best.

With an annual pension income of 555,000 baht you would need at least 245,000 baht in the bank to apply for an extension based upon retirement.

In my opinion if you are just going to set up the company to obtain a non-b visa and an extension of stay it would be best to put the money in the bank and apply for an extension based upon retirement.

[Just Destiny]

Company is not set up but I bought my friend's Thai wife business (sole trader) and we will form a company in late September early October after my divorce.

I will be involved in managing business so I consider to apply Non immig B visa after company is set up.

My current Non-immig O (mariage) will expire on 23 Aug. I am going to Australia this Saturday and will return to Thailand on 20 August. Should I get re-entry and return on current visa then extend it based on retirement? I may be able to show income 65000 per month. Is it the best option? How would it work when I set up company 1-2 months after extension? Would I need to go out of Thailand to apply for Non imig B or how?

Another option might be coming back from Australia on 90 days tourist visa. In that case would Consulate cancel my current Non immig O extension and then How would transition be from tourist to Non-Immig B?

Whish is the best option?

[ubonjoe]

To manage the company you would need a work permit. The non-b visa is not enough. You will not get a non-b visa at any nearby embassy or consulate without a work permit application approval letter. Then after you have the non-b visa the work permit will be issued.

You do not have a valid non-i visa you have an extension of stay. You could get a re-entry permit and change to an extension based upon retirement if you have the financial proof ready when you return 3 days before your extension ends. For the 65k baht you would need a statutory declaration for the Australian embassy.

Once you have the company set up you would then need to apply for a work permit. Most work permit offices will not accept the the work permit application if you are on an extension of stay based upon retirement. You would have to leave the country re-enter with a tourist visa or a visa exempt entry to apply for it.

If you do not get a re-entry permit your extension of stay will end as soon as you enter the country. You do not have a valid non-o visa for the embassy or consulate to cancel.

I think you best option is to get tourist visa if you are sure you will be able to set up the company. apply for a work permit and then get a single entry non-b visa. You will more than likely not be able to apply for an extension of stay based upon working for at least a year. You will have to go out again to apply for a multiple entry non-b visa after the work permit is issued and make border runs every 90 days.

[Just Destiny]

To manage the company you would need a work permit. The non-b visa is not enough. You will not get a non-b visa at any nearby embassy or consulate without a work permit application approval letter. Then after you have the non-b visa the work permit will be issued.

You do not have a valid non-i visa you have an extension of stay. You could get a re-entry permit and change to an extension based upon retirement if you have the financial proof ready when you return 3 days before your extension ends. For the 65k baht you would need a statutory declaration for the Australian embassy.

Once you have the company set up you would then need to apply for a work permit. Most work permit offices will not accept the the work permit application if you are on an extension of stay based upon retirement. You would have to leave the country re-enter with a tourist visa or a visa exempt entry to apply for it.

If you do not get a re-entry permit your extension of stay will end as soon as you enter the country. You do not have a valid non-o visa for the embassy or consulate to cancel.

I think you best option is to get tourist visa if you are sure you will be able to set up the company. apply for a work permit and then get a single entry non-b visa. You will more than likely not be able to apply for an extension of stay based upon working for at least a year. You will have to go out again to apply for a multiple entry non-b visa after the work permit is issued and make border runs every 90 days.

1) I think your advice is right. I leave the country without re-entry permit so let my current visa expire. Then I get tourist visa from Australia with 60 days stay at the airport which is enough for me to set up company and apply for work permit towards end of 60 days. After obtaining WP where can I apply for Non-i B visa, in TH or Australia? I intend to go to Australia at the end of 60 days stay. Do I have a choice to apply at either country? Can I apply for multi-entry instead of single entry?

2) If I re-extend my current non-i extension, based on retirement then border run towards at the end of two months to kill retirement extension and come back on visa exempt entry to apply for work permit then go to Australia for my regular travel while having WP then can I apply no B in Australia? Can I set up company while I am on retirement extension?

3) Would Australian Embassy endorse statutory declaration stating income B65000 based on your statement or do they actually check exact amount of your pension?

4) There will me my divorce and child custody case on after I return on August 20 against my ex-wife who ls now living in Australia. Would kind of visa retirement extension or tourist visa make a difference in court?

Thank you in anticipation

[ubonjoe]

To manage the company you would need a work permit. The non-b visa is not enough. You will not get a non-b visa at any nearby embassy or consulate without a work permit application approval letter. Then after you have the non-b visa the work permit will be issued.

You do not have a valid non-i visa you have an extension of stay. You could get a re-entry permit and change to an extension based upon retirement if you have the financial proof ready when you return 3 days before your extension ends. For the 65k baht you would need a statutory declaration for the Australian embassy.

Once you have the company set up you would then need to apply for a work permit. Most work permit offices will not accept the the work permit application if you are on an extension of stay based upon retirement. You would have to leave the country re-enter with a tourist visa or a visa exempt entry to apply for it.

If you do not get a re-entry permit your extension of stay will end as soon as you enter the country. You do not have a valid non-o visa for the embassy or consulate to cancel.

I think you best option is to get tourist visa if you are sure you will be able to set up the company. apply for a work permit and then get a single entry non-b visa. You will more than likely not be able to apply for an extension of stay based upon working for at least a year. You will have to go out again to apply for a multiple entry non-b visa after the work permit is issued and make border runs every 90 days.

1) I think your advice is right. I leave the country without re-entry permit so let my current visa expire. Then I get tourist visa from Australia with 60 days stay at the airport which is enough for me to set up company and apply for work permit towards end of 60 days. After obtaining WP where can I apply for Non-i B visa, in TH or Australia? I intend to go to Australia at the end of 60 days stay. Do I have a choice to apply at either country? Can I apply for multi-entry instead of single entry?

2) If I re-extend my current non-i extension, based on retirement then border run towards at the end of two months to kill retirement extension and come back on visa exempt entry to apply for work permit then go to Australia for my regular travel while having WP then can I apply no B in Australia? Can I set up company while I am on retirement extension?

3) Would Australian Embassy endorse statutory declaration stating income B65000 based on your statement or do they actually check exact amount of your pension?

4) There will me my divorce and child custody case on after I return on August 20 against my ex-wife who ls now living in Australia. Would kind of visa retirement extension or tourist visa make a difference in court?

Thank you in anticipation

1. The tourist visa would be the easiest option but I think I would get a 2 entry visa as a just in case measure.

You will not get the work permit until after you have the non-b. You apply first get an approval letter for it and then the non-b. You can get a single non-b at a nearby embassy or consulate. You could certainly get a singe entry in Oz but not sure they would do a multiple entry until you have the work permit.

2. You could do that. You could set the company up with an extension based upon retirement.

3. The Oz embassy does not ask for any proof but immigration might ask for proof.

4. You visa status will make no difference when it comes to the divorce.

[Just Destiny]

I will go for double entry tourist visa. One last question: is it allowed to set up a company while on tourist visa?

[ubonjoe]

Yes you can do it on a tourist visa.

[mmj]

I have posted in this forum previously about my situation. I am from Singapore and I visit Thailand twice a month to see my girlfriend over the weekend and we are getting married mid of next year. I was questioned by the immigration officer over the counter during my last trip. He asked me what I was doing in Thailand and why I come to Thailand so many times because I have many stamps in my passport and the computer system alerted. I explained to him and he told me to apply for a visa next time and he let me through. I did call up the Thai Embassy in Singapore to enquire about the relevant visa I need to apply a few days ago. The lady over the phone told me that I don't satisfied for a marriage visa because I am not married yet. Since my stay at Thailand is relatively short, I do not need to apply for a tourist visa. She told me that I can go there under visa exemption. I should not encounter any issue.

I am going to Thailand this weekend to see my girlfriend again. I am worry that I might not get through the immigration. I always carry with me the e-ticket for the outbound flight back to Singapore, 20 000 bahts and my businesscard to show that I work in Singapore.

Ubonjoe, in your view, do you think that the immigration officer will let me through. Also, what kind of visa is suitable for me? Tourist Visa? Should I apply it in other country rather than in my home country Singapore? Thank you.

[Just Destiny]

Yes you can do it on a tourist visa.

Sorry it is a little late I appreciated your responses. Thank you very much. I am in Oz now and will get double entry tourist visa as you suggested then follow the rest.